‘SILVER AND MORE – July 27 was the silver wedding anniversary of Neil Llamanzares and Sen. Grace Poe. By happy coincidence, July 28 was the 75th birthday of the eternal movie queen Susan Roces.
And so while the event at Manila Polo Club in Makati was meant for Neil and Grace, they shared the night with Susan, who was surprised. Pleasantly, of course.
Highlights of the romance of Neil and Grace via audio-visual were shown, followed by those of Susan and Fernando Poe, Jr. What lovely pairs they made.
In full attendance were the Sonora-Poe and Llamanzares clans.
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GUEST LIST – Understandably, friends and colleagues of Grace and Neil were around to wish them the best of everything.
As they come to mind.
Atty. Toto Villareal and Movie & Television Review & Classification Board members Tessie Villarama, Bibeth Orteza, Joey Romero, Jackie Aquino, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, among others. Ditto Gladys Reyes who emceed the event with QC Councilor Dick Paulate.
Senators Franklin Drilon, Sonny Angara, Bam Aquino, Joel Villanueva, Ralph Recto, Sonny Trillanes, Tito Sotto, JV Ejercito, Serge Osmeña, Chiz Escudero, Win Gatchalian, Cynthia Villar. Also seen was Congressman Sarceda of Albay.
Schoolmates at ST. Paul QC, Assumption Makati, UP Manila, and Boston College.
And last but definitely not the least, President Joseph Estrada, Grace’s “ninong.”
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MUSIC, MUSIC – Filling the air were the songs rendered by Martin Nievera, Jona, Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, and Ricky J. Puno., who “serenaded” Susan with a Tagalized version of the “The Way We Were.”
A mini-orchestra, if one may call it, provided the main musical numbers, with new and old tunes.
Danny Dolor noted, “Walang katulad ang mga kanta in the ’40s and ’50s.”
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CELEBRITIES – The most popular celebrity guest was Primetime King Coco Martin. “Sosyal” and Manila Polo Club employees alike all wanted selfies and “Kodak” moments with him.
Also seen: Tony Tuviera and wife Mads, Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel, Marichu Meceda, Charo Santos, Carlo Katigbak, Helen Gamboa, Mother Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle, Att. Lorna P. Kapunan.
Must have missed many more.